The Emperor's Blades (Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne) by Brian Staveley (2014-10-09)

Staveley's world is rich with detail, rife with mystery, and its cultures and histories are carefully imagined. The non-western influences are refreshing and the meditations on discipline, stoicism, and objective truth do well to balance Stavely's robust imagination for, and considerable ability to write about, violence. His sense of landscape and topography make for vivid battlegrounds and compliment his rugged characters that seem to be cut right from the cliffs he so expertly details. The dialogue, if sometimes bawdy, is engaging and keeps the pages turning at a brisk pace. His protagonists complete meaningful personal transitions and there is a constant human element that underscores the bravado, the slaughtering, and the giant birds of prey. The book gains considerable momentum and the conclusion left me ready to jump right into the next installment.

This is a solid fantasy epic story that builds in momentum and interest as it goes. The last chapters are by far the best and I feel it could have had some tighter editing along the way, but I liked it and definitely want more of the story.

The Emperor’s Blades is a rich and engrossing tale that is told from the perspectives of the Emperor’s children, Kayden, Valyn, and Adare. The story starts with the Emperor having been murdered and leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. The next Emperor, Kaden, was living in a distant land that would takes months to reach. Kaden may be the next emperor but he knows little to nothing about running an empire. He has been training at a monastery just the same as every first in line son has but he had not reached the part of his training which would have groomed him for the emperor position. I was not the biggest fan of this character, he was very naïve and the religious order he was training under was pretty cruel. They have their reasons but ‘why did it matter for the future emperor?’ was a question running through my mind for most of the book.

Valyn was the other son and even though he learned of his father’s death shortly after it took place he could do nothing about it. He was not the next in line and he was not allowed to leave until his training was complete. Burning with the need to find out why and how his father was murdered, Valyn was also very concerned for his brother’s safety. He knew that there was a good chance that someone was out to assassinate the entire family and they would start with his brother. When it became clear to Valyn that his worst fears were being realized he went rogue in an attempt to save his brother. I liked Valyn’s character the best but he was also a frustrating at the same time. He was the type of character who learned from his lessons slowly but he had the most grit.

Adare had been the only child left in the kingdom because she was a woman. In this society Adare’s only real value was for who she would marry. Although her father had recently made her a minister, something of which was never done, she was scorned and forced to endure the political shenanigans of the Empire in the wake of her father’s death. She would have been the rightful heir if she had not been born a woman but in this patriarchal society she is left to watch as the kingdom was placed into the hands of a regent until her brother Kaden could be brought to his rightful place. Adare was definitely underrepresented in this story but the parts she did have were packed with political machinations and plot reveals.

The Emperor’s Blades is an amazing adventure that takes you through three totally different viewpoints with the death of the emperor being the cause and effect that spins these character’s lives out of control. The world-building is amazing and I loved that I was able to experience three completely different worlds that these characters find themselves in. There were parts of the story that were a bit slow and there was lots of info dumping that came with that but I really enjoyed the experience and as the book went on I become involved in the characters. Of course, I hated how women were treated in this book but I am hoping that with such strong female characters that maybe the story will turn around in that aspect as the series continues. Overall, The Emperor’s Blades was a solid read!

The emperors blades is the first book in the chronicles of the unhewn throne. When I started this series I was completely taken by surprise, and I loved all of the characters. We are served three distinct storylines, and all of the characters are interesting and unique. The first book in this series is more in line with what you expect from a fantasy novel, and this book can be enjoyed by most I would say. A captivating piece with great promise. As we go along in the series something change. The plot gets more intricate, who to trust and what is the truth is constantly questioned, and the story develop in very unexpected ways. Having finished I am left with the feeling that this is not a story for everyone. It is not straight forward, it is not typical and it is not easily digested and forgotten. What the first book promised is not entirely what the following books deliver. The first book promise a typical fantasy series, with some creative turns and good characterization, what it delivers is a highly creative plot filled with political and religious intrigue. It would fit bette for someone with a taste for the philosophical, and moraly grey characters, than someone on the lookout for a fast and relatively simple action packed fantasy. I would still rate the series 5/5 stars, it is clear that Staveley is a master storyteller, managing to keep an incredible amount of stories, twists and turns strait to deliver a finished result. That is more that one can say of other authors that have tried the same. My advice?
1.Read the first one
2. Fall in love with it
3. Start the second
4. Consider
5. Still like it? continue. Dont like it? drop it and remember the first book fondly.

Bought this book because it was a top rated fantasy. I was disappointed. Characters not likeable, some of the action makes no sense. Found myself rushing through, hoping it would get better. It did not.

After slogging through some less talented authors, this book was a gift. Well-executed, technically good, interesting characters and a unique take on plot. The dialogue is good, descriptions are apt and it draws you in superbly. A very enjoyable read!!

Started slow and then turned into a book I couldn't put down. Engaging characters, great lore and twists you don't see coming. It's a rare debut novel that uses character deaths to keep the story moving especially with an interesting and complex magical system. Can't wait for book 2, reads a lot like Rothfuss, hopefully writes at a faster pace. Excellent book.

The Emperor's Blades is an excellent book. Absolutely excellent! I was concerned about the premise of the story and that it would be just another bland adventure with a bit of political intrigue to liven things up. It wasn't. Brian Staveley did a masterful job in world building complete with histories, geography and depth. The characters themselves are very interesting and I found myself wishing (right along with the one of the main characters) certain characters hadn't died. Don't worry, it's not a Martin kill'em all mourn-fest.

I read the book in under 3 days. It's not terribly short, I just couldn't put it down. Quit reading this horrible review and just buy the book.

Loved reading this. Found it to be well written, excellent plot and great character development. The writer manages to create another world which remains believable without stooping to involve the supernatural whenever he needs an out. Well thought out and a thoroughly enjoyable piece of writing.
Looking forward to the continuation of the saga. Highly recommended

I already ordered the sequel. I thought the first book was a struggle to get through right till the end when everything happened at once. I am hoping the sequel keeps the pace of the last 4- chapters of Emporor's blades

While this book was enjoyable, with a few tweaks it could have been a lot better. The main problem, already identified in other reviews, is that the characters' viewpoints aren't differentiated sufficiently. While their stories are interesting, the 'internal voice' felt much the same for each character.

That said, I kept turning the pages till the end, and have no regrets for the time I spent reading.

I’m frustrated. I really wanted to love this book. The story was there. I liked it. I enjoyed it. But for some reason, I just couldn’t get fully engrossed in it.

I picked this up for a book club read (it’d already been on my to-read list for some time), and I opened it interested from the start. I liked the book description and didn’t think I’d have an issue falling in love with it. I must say, the book description fit well with the story, which I did enjoy and was the only reason I kept reading. Throughout the book, I was curious to see where everything was heading. However, I could easily put it down and often my mind wandered while reading. Why? It was my lack of attachment to the characters.

Now, I’ve said I liked the story. It has some palace intrigue, fighting, some tense moments, and the writing itself was wonderful. I found the slarn creatures to be delightfully wicked and the whole part of Valyn’s test was interesting and had the fastest pace of the book. Kaden’s story was very slow and we hardly were with Adare, though if we were I’d probably find it a little slower as well. As many know, I love me some good magic and this book had a very interesting magic system that I enjoyed immensely. Though we didn’t get to see it a lot until the end, I can see how it will play a great role in future books. I’m excited to read more about it.

I cannot complain that there wasn’t character development, especially with Kaden. I thought he changed the most. For me, they just weren’t as emotionally charged as I like my characters. There wasn’t enough inner turmoil for me to really sympathize with their situations. Towards the end, I started to care more for Valyn and Kaden, which is why I’ll be picking up the second book; probably not right when it’s released, but I’ll read it at some point. I can see a great story coming our way, and I hope with how the book finished that we’ll have some insight into Valyn’s... let’s just say, changes.

So, overall, good story, decent character development, great writing, and an enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.

Thank goodness I found this book. I was about to give up on ever finding another fantasy one that I could get past the sample pages of. Oy....we need more books like this. Great story. I loved the pace and the writing and I couldn't put it down. That's what it takes to be a 5 star book for me. :)

This was enjoyable. The magic system is a bit murky, but that is by design. The story is not quite as linear as you'd expect (where people rewrite the same story and change the names), so while it had a clear destination, getting there was fun. I found myself wanting to read more about the brothers when I was on a chapter concerning the sister, but as a guy that is really to be expected. I think it was a good beginning to a hopefully promising series. There is enough world building to make it into a terrific ride.

I came across this book purely by chance (a friend made a random recommendation based on something he'd read about the book). Having access to the first 7 chapters for free was brilliant, because after the first 7 chapters I was hooked!

I've read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy, from George R.R. Martin, to Tolkien, Asimov, Lewis, etc, and this book easily holds it's own among the works of these authors.

I'm no literary critic, just an average Joe who loves reading sci-fi, and this was a real treat for me to read. I'm really looking forward to the next installment, and I can't say it enough, GO BUY THIS BOOK!

A really good start to a new series!
Court intrigue, Buddhist styled monks, murder and twiting plot as well as interesting and heroic characters make this a very entertaining saga!
There is mysticism and magic here and a vivid imagination at work.

If you like lots of violence and action and gluttons for punishment against an uncaring sadistic enemy with no feelings - this is the book for you!

Well, I will first say that I finished this book and went on and finished the second. The plot is kind of page-turning in that you want to find out what happens, but more in an addictive 'need to know' way than an enjoyable way. In fact, I found myself skimming whole scenes because I was more interested in finding out what happens than in reading how it happened. I found the descriptions crude - laid on with a large brush and the characters, though they are certainly self-aware and thoughtful are definitely not 4 or 5 star alluring. They're somewhat like-able but they keep going through such excruciating abuse that you get kind of tired. If anyone really went through the kind of 'training' these people go through, they'd have such bad PTSD they'd be useless in any capacity let alone as leaders. And the often I found myself wondering what the point was. The stakes were questionable much of the time - this is partly because of the intricacy of the plot - it's complicated - but much of the time I felt a kind of nihilistic shrug - well the whole world seems *cked anyway so who cares?

Obviously a lot of people loved this book. My only theory as to why ( and I have nothing but my own instinct to base this on) is that they are guys - and guys love this stuff - nothing wrong with that - just not my cup of tea :-) Also, of the three POV people, the woman is the least like-able. She seems kind of like a hysterical brat with a good heart. He keeps saying she's intelligent but it's not evident - what is evident is her determination. That is admirable, but the whole book is filled with characters determined to the point sometimes past the point of my enjoyment.

As I said, if you like lots of violence and action and gluttons for punishment against an uncaring sadistic enemy with no feelings - this is the book for you. Personally, I put down the second in the series with relief and a feeling of being FREE!!!

I found the story very engaging, going from one character's story to the next. The connection between the brothers and the differences they have grown into by they're experience makes for interesting and engaging reading. really liked this book, can't wait for the next one.

It is my understanding that The Emperor's Blades is this author's first book. I found the plot interesting, well paced, and original. I understand there is a second book due next January. I am not clear as to how many titles will be in this series, but I certainly will be purchasing the next in the series.

"The Emperor's Blades" was thrilling and engrossing! I was immediately hooked and devoured the whole thing in a couple of days. Th plot is tightly constructed and suspenseful, with really cool and creative fantasy aspects fitting in seamlessly with the political thriller aspect. The writing is top-notch, the protagonists are interesting and nuanced characters, the dialogue has a clever and distinctive mix of fantasy-world and contemporary language. I enjoyed it every bit as much as Song of Ice and Fire, and that's saying a lot! Can't wait for the sequel to come out.

Great read; this was a surprise find...a gem within a sea of good but not great books out there. This book kept me coming back for more, developing the characters as each of their stories unfolded and setting the scene for the epic battle to come. When I finished, I went looking for the next installment. The bad news is that it's not out yet. The good news, is that it will be published in 5 months.

Top-shelf story telling on well-trod roads. Solid character development and good pacing kept the book from bogging down. A silver-lining for those who arrived at the series late, it appears that the final book of the trilogy has already been published, so there is no 12-24 month wait to get to the end of the story.

Full book was enjoyable. I loved the twists and characters... mostly.

My *only* big complaint was that there was this female character that I liked. That had responses to some "bad" things that I thought were better and more realistic than you almost ever see in fantasy. Then she... well... I don't think it was intended that way, but it *felt* like she was fridged. Like she died just to break one of the main characters and give him a source of uncontrollable rage.

I also hope to see more of Adare (sister) in the next book as she was definitely... less well characterized. Also, with Ha Lin out of the picture, I hope to see some more of Annick or Gwenna, as I feel Stavely is suffering a bit from Tolkein "I don't know how to write women" syndrome. The reviewer above that mentioned the tropishness of characters was correct, and it's most noticeable in the female characters.

I will continue to read the story, because other than that one moment it's been really well done. But it did make this a 3 instead of a solid 4.

All here excellent authors are trying to make me broke

I got sucked in and stayed there am ,pre ordering the next in the series the moment I hear of it
Good fun , excellent world building and satisfying depths, the story outshone any rough edges and weak bits for me.

The Emperor's Blades (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne Book 1) I highly recommend this series. good read moderately deep characters, very interesting world.

Stunning, magnificent work. When your love is for depth of ancients, the purest of the arts, being so much of what we, as humans have lost, then please read this brilliant work. It is out of time, unique, and highly original. Thank you Mr. Staveley, thank you.

Started a little vague and grew on me. Very interested to see if this author pans out as one of the better ones. The story is a bit predictable when I reached 2/3rds of the way through. The world interesting, the characters good and overall a good read. I felt a little let down with the sister though. Predicted that outcome too easily.

Good characters, good development, and good pace. Story was thought out and not rush. Lots going on but everything ties together legitimately and not out of the blue. It's not perfect, but what is, but it is entertaining.

I thought that The Emperor's Blades was well conceptualized and written and I really enjoyed the read. If I had a criticism, it would be that the females in the story are in no way as well characterized as the males. I had a good feel for the brothers' but the sister's role was shallow in comparison. I am prepared to believe she will be 'fleshed out' in the sequels, but I felt similarly for the other females in the story. Other than this, however, I liked it a lot and look forward to the next installment.

One of my favorite fantasy books I've read. Excellent character development. Love the unique premise for the world and development of humans. I also enjoyed the rich development of different religious systems woven throughout the characters and story.